GUMALA MIRNUWARNI(Coming together to learn)

EDUCATION PROJECTKARRATHA SENIOR HIGH

SCHOOL

BEFORE THE PROJECT

• Two Indigenous students graduated from Karratha SHS

• One Indigenous student had entered university through TER

• Employment of Indigenous people in apprenticeships and traineeships in private enterprise was negligible

• State-wide only 4% of Indigenous students reached Year 12 and 0.8 % achieved a TER university entrance score.

PARTNERSHIPS

• A coalition of partners from the Aboriginal community, State and Federal governments, private enterprise, The Graham (Polly) Farmer Foundation and Karratha SHS was established.

• A Steering Committee was established involving the coalition partners to oversee the project and provide strategic level management

• The Graham (Polly) Farmer Foundation acts as Project facilitator/manager

CLEAR AND SHARED VISION• Students aiming to achieve their potential• The fostering of high student self-esteem and

motivation to succeed • The establishment of group goals and a culture

centred on success• Mentoring programs and tutorial assistance• Cultural sensitivity• Ongoing monitoring and reporting of student

performance

THE PROJECT PROVIDES

• Support at school

• Enrichment Centre after school

• Extra curricular activities

STUDENTSIndigenous students who have shown

ability in their primary schooling or

demonstrated a potential to achieve within the

education system.

SELECTING STUDENTSA Selection process is based upon:• individual student application• agreed selection criteria and processes• signed compacts between students,

family, project and the sponsors.

TYPICAL STUDENTS

TEE STUDENT

• Studies 5 TEE subjects in years 11 & 12

• Extension program during years 8,9 &10

• Have set goals to enter university before year 11 started

• High level of tutoring assistance required

• Independent learners with good support at home.

VET STUDENT

During years 11 & 12 involved in:• School Based Traineeship, or• Workplace Learning.• Motivated to be work ready by the end of year 12.

Sponsors assist in preparing students for

applications, aptitude tests and interviews.

PROJECT COORDINATOR

• Runs the project on a day to day basis• Line managed by the School Principal• Facilitates on going IEP’s for every student• Tracks each students progress at school and

supports students to improve attendance and academic achievement

• Liaises with the student’s teachers and family• Organises extra curricular activities to meet the

needs of all students

OPERATIONS COMMITTEE

• Consists of school based personnel• Assist the project coordinator to run the project• Meet twice a term or more regularly if necessary• Attend extra curricular activities• Provides support for and promotes the project at

school

EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

Activities to support students to meet their goals. • Career camps• University workshops & camps• Guest speakers• Cultural awareness• Leadership development days• Team building activities• Learning area focuses• Events to link all parties• Leeuwin II Adventures (sailing training ship)

RESULTS

Increased school attendance and retention rates

% Attendance at School

020406080

100120

2006 2007 2008

Year

% A

tten

dan

ce

Project Students Whole School Indigenous Students

RESULTSImproved academic performance

Indigenous Students Achieving Graduation

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

1974 - 1996 1997- 2008

Year

Nu

mb

er o

f S

tud

ents

RESULTS

Destination 1974-1996 1997 - 2008

University 1 26

Apprenticeship / Traineeship

1 27

Employment 0 10

Total 2 63

A higher rate of tertiary entranceIncreased apprenticeships / traineeships

Mark Whisson mark.whisson@det.wa.edu.au

Jennifer McMahon jennifer.mcmahon@det.wa.edu.au